Today, I am reading and commenting on  1 Samuel 25-27.

Every time I read the story of David and Nabal, David’s reaction seems excessive.  Yet, it is clear that Nabal’s men expected that reaction.  At one time I thought that Nabal’s answer was a deadly insult which just does not translate into modern language and culture.  However, I have come to believe over time that David had an agreement with Nabal, whether it was an agreement they had entered into, or one which was understood from common usage, to protect Nabal’s men and herds from raiders and bandits (which were apparently fairly common in that area and time as we will see later).  Reading it in that light, Nabal’s response to David’s request for payment for having performed his side of the bargain can be read as Nabal telling David, “I’m not going to honor our agreement.  What are you going to do about it? Ask King Saul to enforce it?”

So, here is the situation.  David could have taken everything from Nabal in the first place, but instead entered into an agreement to protect Nabal’s property from others who might try to take in return for supplies.  When it came time for Nabal to fulfill his part of the bargain, Nabal reneged and David gathered his forces to take everything Nabal owned.  Abigail, Nabal’s wife, gathered the supplies which David was owed (and perhaps a bit more, but we have no way to know) and took them to him.  When Nabal learned of what Abigail had done, he had a stroke (or perhaps a heart attack), and ten days later dies.   Shortly after which David marries Abigail and gains ownership over Nabal’s property..  This story gives us a hint that the role of women in that society is more significant and powerful than a cursory reading of the Old Testament might lead us to believe.

I use the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.